Wowserism alive and well in Sydney says AHA

BY MICK ROBERTS

Imposing curfews and lockouts on pubs has been branded by the Australian Hotels Association as narrow minded wowserism.
Under new laws the Director of Liquor and Gaming will be able to impose conditions on licensed venues not meeting their responsibilities, and will be able to declare lockouts and curfews in problem areas to reduce patron migration and anti-social behaviour.
The AHA says curfews and lockouts will lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour and may also lead to an increase in violence.
‘This reeks of a nanny state mentality,’ AHA (NSW) Chief Executive Officer Sally Fielke said at a Parliament House media conference.
‘Locking out patrons and imposing curfews is not the answer. Young people don’t start their night until late in the evening. By imposing restrictions you simply force them onto the streets.’
Ms Fielke says young people will congregate in parks and other public areas.
‘You are pushing them out of a controlled, safe drinking environment to one where anything goes. This will lead to more violence and a drain on the already stretched police resources.’
Ms Fielke’s warning comes amid calls by minority groups to curb operating hours of licensed premises. She believes any changes should be assessed on an individual basis taking into account the area and community’s expectations.
‘The worse thing you can do is dump patrons out of hotels all at the same time – it’s just asking for trouble. There is a strong argument for staggered closing times and in some cases that could mean an extension of existing operating hours.’
Ms Fielke says the AHA is working closely with police and other agencies on issues such as safety, transport and responsible service of alcohol.
A spokeswoman for the Minister for Liquor and Gaming, Graham West told The City News that the new liquor laws would give a greater protection to the community from alcohol abuse and crime.
‘The Director of Liquor and Gaming will have expanded powers to deal with irresponsible licensees and unruly patrons to reduce alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, intoxication and binge drinking,’ she said.
The spokeswoman said the new laws will provide flexibility for licensees and allows consumers a variety of hospitality, dining and entertainment choices.
‘Restaurants will be able to serve liquor without a meal by making a simple application and paying a small fee,’ she said.
The Government also aims to have a large number of licensed venues featuring live music, with the introduction of an on-premises licence that makes it cheaper and easier for entertainment venues to obtain a liquor license.